Flores Spins Gem as Erie Thumps Richmond

Erie scored double-digit runs for the third time in their last four games in a series-opening blowout win in Richmond, 11-1.

Erie started the scoring immediately in the first inning against Flying Squirrels' starter Ryan Murphy. Trei Cruz had a leadoff walk. Wenceel Perez followed with a one-out double. Then, Dillon Dingler blasted a three-run home run.

After Murphy retired eight batters in a row to get himself to the top of the fourth, but that’s when Erie’s offense exploded. Andrew Navigato - who finished with a five-for-five day at the plate - led off with a single. Next, Gage Workman reached on an error as left fielder Carter Williams dropped a routine fly ball near the foul line. Ben Malgeri followed with a two-run double into the left-field corner. Later, Colt Keith doubled home two more runs. Dingler drove home his fourth run of the day with a ground out. Jake Holton then hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run inning and give the SeaWolves a 10-0 lead.

In the fifth, Keith drove home another run on a two-out, RBI single. He had three hits in this game, the seventh time he has had three or more hits in a game this season. It was also Keith’s first game this season playing second base.

Carter Williams’ fifth-inning solo home run was the only hit that Erie starter Wilmer Flores allowed in his five innings. Flores allowed a career-high five walks but also struck out a season-high eight batters. He (3-2) earned the win. Murphy (1-2) took the loss.

Left-hander Lael Lockhart tossed two scoreless innings in his Detroit organization debut. Tim Naughton and Angel De Jesus each threw a perfect inning. The Erie pitching staff allowed just two hits and struck out 11.

The series continues at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday as Brant Hurter opposes Landen Roupp.